A world-record winning Derry paralympian was invited to a civic reception at the Guildhall to mark his continued success.
Jason Smyth won his sixth paralympic gold medal in a thrilling final of the T13 200m race at the 2020 paralympic games in Tokyo back in August.
This extended the world record holder's tally at major events to 21.
The Eglinton man was described as "inspirational" by Mayor of Derry City & Strabane, Alderman Graham Warke, at a civic reception hosted for the fastest paralympian on the planet.
Speaking about the event held on the evening of Thursday, October 14, the Mayor said it was an "honour" to welcome Jason and his family to the parlour to congratulate him on his "remarkable success."
He added: "To win a sixth Paralympic gold medal and to remain unbeaten in 17 years of paralympics is something most sportspeople couldn't even dream of. It takes a serious amount of commitment, hard work and sacrifice behind the scenes to reach that level of greatness and to perform on the biggest stage, and Jason has managed to do that year in, year out.
"He has represented our city and district on the world stage, and I felt it was only right that I show our appreciation on behalf of all the people of this Council area.
"I want to wish Jason and his family all the very best and hopefully we are celebrating even more medals in the future. Jason is an inspiration to so many of us locally and to so many globally as well. His story is one that already has its rightful place in the history books and I'm sure there are a few more chapters still to be written."
Jason, 34, explained that overcoming injuries, dealing with the delay to the games as a result of the pandemic, and winning the final by just 0.01 seconds made his latest paralympic gold one of the sweetest yet.
He said: "I think, on reflection, because the race was so close and the lead up was so difficult, when I think back on all of the Games, it's definitely been the most satisfying win. When I've needed to get things right, I've been able to do it - by the finest of margins - but when it counted.
"When I sit back and look at it, I can say that really went as well as it could have, so it's very satisfying, but now I'm thinking what's next and I'm ready to move forward."
Jason added that it was great to be able to attend a Mayor's reception at home and spend time with family members that have supported his journey.
"Sometimes we're away in the likes of Tokyo and we're in our bubble and unaware of what's going on at home or who's watching, but when we do come home it's great to see the recognition, the support, and the awareness," he added.
"It's great to come into the Guildhall with the Mayor and have a reception with family because they are often the people who make the most sacrifices. My family, my wife, my daughters allow me to go away as much as I have to to put in the work required to eventually win gold medals."
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